Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-02-18

his mothers love from lim.
1t was the mornins- Of New Years day.
Polyte had economical cent by cent in order
to prepare a surprise to his mother in tha
shape of n modest costume that be spread on
her armchair, and he said to her:
"Mamma, after breakfast will you dress
yourself and we will go out together to show
your new dress to the neighborsi'
This request caused Theresa to blush. She
had already promised Robert to have a walk
with him-he was TO call on her at 10 O'Clock
and 1T is proper" she added, that l re-
mind you to be more polite with Mr.. Robert;
You are too rude with him.
Polyte did not answer; the tears filled his
big blue eyes; he retired to the next room.
Opening a drawer he took out a photograph
of his father that he covered with kisses and
deposited it on the dress, his present to his
mother.
Through a ray of precious intelligence the
boy had comprehended that shortly the rigid
sentinel aS his father called him, would be
unable to watch over the place alone.
The dog turned around his master, looking
at him very attentively, as If it wanted him
to understand the cause of his sorrow.
Suddenly the animal Strengthened its ears
and began to growl. Somebody had entered
the room next to Polytes. The child heard
heavy step. voice tRobert's speaking
loudly, then a whisper, followed by a cry
half smothered, and the noise OF a slight
struggle. The dog made a jump and opened
widely the door that was not locked Polyts
saw this hated Robert standing near his
mother who hid her face and protested with
great vehemence. The intruder had buried
the old year too gayly; in his half drunken
ness he had thought himself entitled to q
kiss from Mrs. Sigault as New Years pres
ent.
Polyte was on the eve Of speaking. when
his dog, sociable only with him and his
mother, rushed on the man and bit him
cruelty.
1t needed all the strength Of Polyte. who
shook with anger, 10 make the faithful animal
let 60 his hold on Roberts leg The boy and
the man, brought face to face y the incident,
glared at each other Robert detected in the
eyes Of the child his firm will to retain his
mothers heart. He was not bad man, that
Robert, only little vain and braggart. a
true Partisan. Noticing the mistake done by
him, he REDEEMED, stammered and saluting
low be departed.
The next day, as Theresa awoke after a bad
nights sleep, Polyte entered her room like
bombshell, having in his hand letter just
given to him by the janitor Of the house. He
threw 1t on his mothers bed unable to articu.
late another word but Papa! Papa.
And this blessed letter, that the child had
not hesitated to recognize as having been
written by his father. read as follows:
"DEAR WIFE-l am in the military hospital
Of Spaudau in Germany. l have undergone
frightful operation on my head. am in.
formed by the medical authorities Of the
hospital that | have remained senseless over
one year; they call my case with Greek or
Latin name.
Il have suffered very much, but now the
physicians told me that l will be well again in
few weeks
"GooI-by, dearest | hope that the rigid
sentry has performed his duty to your utmost
satisfaction / kiss both of you a million
times. Your husband and father
John SIGAULr-
After the reading of the letter from his
father, Polyte did not wait long. As he was
progressive man and an economical boy he
glided on the banisters TO the street, ran to
the nearest telegraph office and sent the fol.
lowing message, short and good:
"To John Sigault, Military Hospital, Spau.
dau, Germany-YeS PoLyTE.'
"What joy! Come home soon.
THERESA"
A month after the child was relieved from
his sentry duty by his father, and with that
my story ends.
Perhaps, dear reader. YOU want to know
what became of our little Polyte He is yet
standing sentinel as fifteen years ago: this
time it is for our country. Lieutenant in the
marine infantry he commands an advanced
post in Tonquin, where. in two years. he has
won his golden epaulettes and the cross Of the
Legion of Honor. Translated from the
French by Guard S2l, Sixth Avenue Elevated
Railroad, for New York Graphic